Junior doctors in Lancashire strike for the second time
Junior doctors in Lancashire are going on strike for a second time this year.
Junior doctors in Lancashire are going on strike for a second time this year.
They're walking out of hospitals from 8am for 24 hours and will only be providing emergency care.
It's due to the British Medical Association's long-running dispute with the government over pay and contracts.
Thousands of operations have been cancelled due to the strike.
Junior doctors walked out of hospitals across Lancashire for 24 hours on 12th January - that day was the first time they'd taken industrial action in over 40 years.
LISTEN HERE: Rock FM's Amy Scarisbrick has this special report from the Royal Blackburn Hospital:
Rob Gillies, Executive Medical Director, said the Southport and Ormskirk Hospital NHS Trust was working with doctors not affected by the strike, nurses and other clinical staff on robust plans to ensure that appropriate care was delivered.
“Many of the planned services our hospitals provide will be affected and we are in touch with the patients concerned,” said Mr Gillies. “However, if you have an appointment on Wednesday and haven’t heard from us, we still want to see you.”
Mr Gillies added: “Patients in need of emergency hospital care will continue to receive the treatment they need when they need it. In all cases priority will be given to those patients with the most pressing health needs.
“A&E is for medical emergencies and people facing life-threatening conditions such as serious accidents, serious burns, breathing problems, heart attacks and strokes.
“Anyone who needs help in such circumstances should not hesitate in calling 999. There are other healthcare options available for less serious situations – such as visiting your pharmacist or GP, calling NHS 111 or using NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk).”